Marching arts

The marching arts are a collection of fine arts related activities that are closely associated with wind music. The marching arts include, but are not necessarily limited to marching band, drum corps, pep band, color guard, winter guard, and indoor percussion. All of these activities are supported at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Although marching and pep bands initially existed to fill the role of halftime entertainment at football games, the modern marching arts, while maintaining their enduring traditions, have grown into stand-alone activities. The marching arts often participate in competitive events with panels of adjudicators assessing the groups on a number of captions. Some of the captions often assessed in competition are: music performance (ensemble), music performance (individual), music effect, visual performance, visual effect, general effect, color guard, percussion, brass, woodwinds, and drum majors, among others.

A lot of school districts will base their entire assessment of the music department on how well their marching band performs. However, in order to be an effective music educational too, the focus must be on music. One must carefully consider the music the ensemble is going to perform in the same manner as choosing for a concert band. David Whitwell (orchestra conductor) states “The coordination and harmonious agreement of the auditory and visual elements inherent in a marching band performance which is experienced both intellectually and emotionally.” Marching band can help a student/individual gain certain worldly skills. These skills include, but are not limited to, determination, leadership skills, developing an awareness of music in its social context, flexibility and originality, and becoming aware of musical systems in other cultures. Garrison, Paul K. “The Value of Marching Band.” Music Educators Journal, vol. 72, no. 5, 1986, pp. 48–52. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3396614. Accessed 29 Sept. 2023.